Cloud computing service
A person wrote to me: “Is it possible to use cloud computing in a developing country? Many people said that cloud computing is only for large company in developed country such as the U.S. or UK but will not work for small company in developing country. Please advice.”
Answer: They are wrong. Cloud computing means everything from computer hardware, infrastructures, applications, business processes to personal collaboration can be delivered as “a service” wherever and whenever the customer need. The “cloud” is the set of hardware, networks, storage, services and interfaces that combine to deliver all aspects of computing to a customer. Customer can have everything in information technology that they need to do whatever that they want and pay per usage basis, instead of have to invest in these equipments. Cloud computing service company will provide these services to any customer, whether it is a very big company or a small family owned retail store. It has nothing to do with developed countries or developing countries, as long as the country has access to the internet.
I think the market for cloud computing in developing country is excellent. There are many family owned businesses that never use information technology before which they could be potential users of cloud computing if they understand the benefits. Since they do not need to deal with computing hardware or having the knowledge of software, they just be users as most IT supports and applications are provided by Cloud computing company. In the near future, I think more people will move to Cloud computing in the same way as people moved from wired phone to mobile phones.
I think medium sized and small companies would benefit significantly from cloud computing as it will save them a lot of money as well as resources. Today Information Technology (IT) is being used widely but many small and medium sized companies cannot afford it or do not have skilled people to manage it. By using cloud computing, they could automate their business for more efficiency and better profits and pay per use without have to worry about investment in computing equipments. As more people are using information technology so moving to the cloud is the right thing and the logical thing. For example, people used to order food by phone and restaurants need people to answer the phone but phone is often busy. By moving online and in the cloud any restaurant can focus on filling online orders rather than answering phone. When I was in India, I saw most restaurants were using online ordering services from cloud computing, so they just filling orders and have hundred of delivery boys, travelling on bicycle to deliver lunches to customers all over the city.
Today, Cloud computing is getting more popular with a large range of business application suites that can support many businesses. The convenience of online ordering, online business can expedite many things and increase profits for companies as they do not have to deal with information systems but let vendors provide them to them as a service. With cloud computing, costs are low and low cost drives business growth, increase operational efficiency, and scalability. As long as companies understand these benefits of automation, many will switch to cloud computing. According to several reports, cloud computing services are expected to grow 60% in the next three years.
Many software outsourcing companies are moving quickly to cloud computing business as the outsourcing is decreasing fast because there are many opportunities in the cloud. Even internet Cafes and small retails are quickly moved to the cloud as they do not have to deal with upgrading software, hardware anymore.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
